One of the most incredible acts of nature is the return of salmon to the upper Columbia River. For eons these fish have traveled down the river, out to the ocean, and then returned to their native streams. In spite of the challenges introduced over the years they still prevail. One of the best places to view these fish is at Rocky Reach Dam. It’s the seventh dam that they have crossed over on their journey. There’s a fish ladder with viewing windows at Rocky Reach, and this year, in particular, it is something that you will want to visit. You can see many big Chinook salmon passing by through the windows. They are outnumbered by far by the return of sockeye that will number over 600,000 this year. It is an amazing site to watch these fish pour through the ladder. You can look a salmon right in the eye. I love to watch youngsters at the viewing windows. They are fascinated seeing these fish inches from their noses. If you can’t travel to Rocky Reach, but want to watch the salmon, you can log onto Rocky Reach Dam Discovery Center, and watch the live feed.